What is the top speed of a 1980 Honda CM 400?
In typical conditions, the 1980 Honda CM 400 can reach about 95–100 mph (153–161 km/h).
The CM 400 was Honda's 400cc entry in the CM cruiser line from the early 1980s. Manufacturer data for top speed is not published by Honda; what riders and testers report varies with model variant, gearing, rider weight, wind, and road grade. This article pulls together what is known from period reviews and contemporary ownership reports to outline the ballpark figure and the factors that influence it.
Model overview and baseline performance
The CM 400 family offered a lightweight, torquey parallel-twin with a modest top speed compared with a full-on sportbike. The 1980 models generally featured similar engines tuned for tractable performance rather than maximum velocity, and their top speed is primarily limited by gearing and aerodynamics rather than raw horsepower.
What affects the top speed
Several elements determine the maximum speed you can reach on a CM 400. The following are the main ones:
- Engine tune and power delivery
- Rider position and aerodynamics
- Gearing and final-drive ratio
- Vehicle weight and load
- Condition of tires and wind resistance
- Altitude and air pressure
- Wind and road surface
These factors combine to yield a speed range rather than a single value. Even a stock CM 400 can show different top speeds depending on the variables.
Real-world numbers from riders and tests
Because Honda did not publish an official top speed for the CM 400, figures come from rider anecdotes and occasional independent testing. In practice, the range most commonly cited by owners and testers is roughly:
- Typical best-case: 145–160 km/h (90–100 mph) on level ground at sea level with a light rider and clean air
- Upper bound under optimal conditions: around 165 km/h (about 103 mph)
- Lower when loaded, windy, or at higher altitude: 130–145 km/h (80–90 mph)
Note that these values assume a stock bike with no performance modifications, good tires, and stable riding conditions. Real-world results can vary significantly.
Regional variants and gearing differences
Notes on market variants
In the 1980s, Honda offered CM 400 variants for different markets, with minor differences in gearing, exhaust, and emission tuning. Those changes can shift the top speed by a few kilometers per hour, but the overall top-end tends to sit in the same general range for most versions.
Riders should consult specific regional manuals or owner forums for exact gearing and top-speed observations for their bike's VIN and market.
Summary
The 1980 Honda CM 400’s top speed sits in a narrow band around the low end of the 100 mph range under favorable conditions, with most stock bikes reaching roughly 90–100 mph (145–160 km/h). Real-world results vary based on gearing, aerodynamics, rider weight, and conditions, so the top speed is best understood as a ballpark figure rather than a single fixed number.
